Tuesday’s Forthcoming Releases [Part 2]

After a 9-year wait, Rock superstars Kiss release a brand new studio in 'Sonic Boom'. Featuring 11 brand new Kiss anthems, 'Sonic Boom' is an emphatic statement from one of rock's most iconic bands. Says guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley: "The purpose of this album isn't to let people know that we're still around – it's to let people know we can still knock out anybody who's out there!".

Since Paul Stanley and bassist / vocalist Gene Simmons founded Kiss in New York City in 1972, the band has sold over 80 million albums worldwide. 'Sonic Boom', the 19th original studio album of their 35-year recording career, marks a new chapter for the band: it is the first Kiss studio album to feature guitarist Tommy Thayer alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer. But as Paul states: "This isn't 'new Kiss' – this is classic Kiss!".

"I had a very clear vision of what this album should be" says Paul, who produced 'Sonic Boom' himself. "I didn't want to compromise or deviate from that vision, not just as a member of Kiss but as a fan of Kiss. I thought the band had never been better and that we were capable of doing a really career-defining album". Gene Simmons agrees. Describing the "classic Kiss" sound of the new album, Simmons refers back to the band's hugely influential 70's albums. "Sonic Boom may be the best new record we've done since Destroyer!" Simmons says. "It's Rock And Roll Over meets Love Gun".

To recapture the vibe of those landmark records on 'Sonic Boom', Paul Stanley selected Conway Studios in Los Angeles, where Kiss could record the new songs on rare, vintage two-inch analogue tape. "I wanted to do it the old-fashioned way" he explains. "We all agreed that the albums we loved most, the ones we grew up listening to – Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Stones, The Who – were about capturing a feel".

"This was probably the most enjoyable time we've ever had making an album" Paul says. "Not that it wasn't challenging – but it was effortless. Gene was selfless on this album: everybody worked as a team. Tommy sings the lead vocal on 'When Lightning Strikes' and Eric sings lead on 'All For The Glory', and they're both terrific singers. Kiss has always been about four characters, four personalities. And the stronger each member is, the stronger the band is. Most importantly, there were no outside co-writers, which reinforced in all of us the idea that we were making something very, very special, something defining in terms of the Kiss legacy".

Paul proudly states: "There isn't a filler track on this entire album". Opening song 'Modern Day Delilah' sets the tone for the album. "It's relentless and has an unmistakable Kiss stamp on it" Paul says. "It's very much a declaration of not only being alive and well but being lethal". And this celebratory spirit is embodied in the album's title. As Paul recalls, "We were on this massive stadium tour of South America and were getting ready to do one of the shows, and 'Sonic Boom' just popped into my head. That's what we're creating – a sonic boom. It's earth-shaking and deafening!".

35 years after Kiss released their classic debut album, 'Sonic Boom' proves that this legendary band is still a genuine creative force. "It's astonishing that something that was born on the streets of New York is iconic worldwide and as relevant today as ever" Paul Stanley says. "You only have to look at the audiences that we're drawing to see that there is a legend of Kiss that brings in new fans. Kiss is something unique and timeless. There isn't anything like Kiss – there is only Kiss".

To coincide with the announcement of a new Chris Rea European tour in 2010, Rhino UK releases a newly remastered collection 'Still So Far To Go – The Best Of Chris Rea' on October 5th 2009. Included in the package will be 2 brand new studio recordings, 'Come So Far Yet Still So Far To Go' and the ballad 'Valentino'.

This double CD set will be launched with a special, invitation only, London showcase at Bush Hall on September 29th 2009 where Chris will play a greatest hit set as well as previewing new material including the two new songs on this collection.

'Fool (If You Think It's Over)', 'On The Beach', 'Let's Dance', 'Josephine', 'Stainsby Girls' and 'I Can Hear Your Heartbeat' will be included alongside seminal Rea tracks such as 'Working On It', 'The Road To Hell (Part 2)', 'Auberge', 'God's Great Banana Skin' and 'Julia' on this greatest hits package.

A limited edition 2 CD digipak version will also be available for initial orders. This limited version additionally includes personal sleevenotes by Chris Rea and the second disc will be fingerprinted, allowing access to Exclusive content when inserted into a PC/Mac, which will include a free download of the demo to 'Valentino', brand new interview footage of Chris talking about himself, the 2 new songs and his forthcoming 2010 tour. Plus archive videos, previous live footage, wallpapers and more.

Revisit the musical journey of one of the UK's foremost singer / songwriters / guitarist as 'Still So Far To Go…The Best Of Chris Rea' definitively chronicles the incredible career of Middlesbrough's greatest export and finest son.

With over 25 million career album & DVD sales around the world, Steve Vai will soon be adding to these figures with the release of his new concert film, 'Where The Wild Things Are'.

'Where The Wild Things Are' is a CD & 2DVD set recorded live and filmed in HD at the State Theatre in Minneapolis during Steve Vai's recent 'Sound Theories' Tour. 'Where The Wild Things Are' features a world-class group of musicians, unlike any other band Steve has ever assembled.

Two DVDs containing nearly 3 hours of Steve Vai in concert, along with cool bonus footage that includes exclusive interviews with Steve's band members and Steve's viral hit video for the Jemini pedal.

The 2 hour and 40 minute set contains several new tracks and re-orchestrated pieces culled from his rich catalogue. His guitar-wielding extravaganza in 'The Murder' is an artistic performance piece that must be seen to be believed.

….Bay 35 at 991.com is just one of our many stock rooms filled with hard-to-find CDs, vinyl box sets, music memorabilia, even 8-track tapes! Plus any other music-related goodies we can find, take a little trip around Bay 35 and be sure to check our website at 991.com Related

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